Talented young tennis players took to Bundaberg courts in the last UTR Junior Development Series event of the year.
The Junior Development Series started in Rockhampton, then went to Gladstone and Biloela before coming to Bundaberg for the final weekend, where 42 competitors battled it out.
Players from 9-17 put their tennis skills to the test in warm weather as they competed against some of the region’s best young players.
Tournament director Murray Whitbread has been involved with local tennis since 1967, and in those 53 years he’s seen some Australian tennis champions learn their technique and skills on Bundaberg courts.
“It’s called the development series for the prime reason of that our children now have competition with other towns,” he said.
“We find if you bring the children together from various towns there is a little bit more competitive play, whereas in local clubs you are playing the same players all the time and it reduces standard and opportunities.
“Through the years we've had some considerably good players come out of the Bundaberg Region, Australian champions even.”
Both Drinan Centre and Rotary Park tennis courts were used in the two-day event.
“We are only having four tournaments in the whole region, which is from the Central Highlands, Central Queensland, Central Burnett and Wide Bay for the whole year,” Murray said.
“We have been very restricted by COVID and it's been deferred twice because of this, and weather, so we're glad to final have JDS tournament take place.”
Junior Development Series winners:
Division 1: Kody Baker defeated Dylan Price
Division 2: Isaac Ogilvie defeated Taj Wilson
Division 1 Doubles: Isabella Cooper and Katie Baker defeated Dylan Price and Matilda Gourley
Division 2 Doubles: Zane Ali and Lachlan Campbell defeated Taj Wilson and Riley Jones
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